The Whio, or Blue Duck, is one of NZ's threatened species - there are barely 1,800 left in the wild now. They live in fast-flowing rivers throughout NZ, but are most seen in the valleys of Fiordland, at the bottom of NZ's South Island, living along the riverbank of fast-flowing streams, and they are specialized whitewater feeders feeding mainly at dusk and dawn on aquatic insects. With layers of feathers specialized in water proofing and insulation, they have historically been predated on by Māori (for cloaks) and white settlers (for bedding and hats), but their biggest threats are the possums, cats, and rats that humans have introduced.
JPG, straight out of camera - reduced size in MS Photos, hand-held, available light.
